So, I'm sat at work, minding my own business. I over hear what I presume was a mother talking to her teenage daughter, sniggering and laughing in my direction.
"Have you seen the state of that"
"Who comes to work to sit on a checkout wearing makeup like that?"
"Don't know who she thinks she is"
Whilst sitting there and hearing this, I thought to myself 'there is not a chance they are talking about me', as that day I had made a particular effort with my makeup. Realising that they were actually insulting and mocking me, my first thoughts were why would they find it acceptable to laugh at someone's appearance? Had I been a girl with no makeup on and skin problems, would she have been making the same harsh comments? I doubt it. I find it so disappointing that we live in a society that some people think it's acceptable to judge people on their appearances. Whether it be the clothes you wear, the makeup you apply, or even if you were covered head to toe in tattoos. We are all within our own rights to express our individuality. This is what makes us unique.
What shocked me more was that not only was she voicing these hurtful comments in public, but she was also imposing these views onto her impressionable teenage daughter. The pressure that society and the media bestows on to women regarding 'the perfect body' image is already hard enough to compete with. As women, I believe we should embrace one another, for who we are rather than tearing each other down and constantly looking for flaws. We must educate our children to be respectful and mindful of others, whether it be based on looks, fashion choices, career goals or cultures. It is essential as role models to bring the next generation up to celebrate individualism and personal creativity. Wouldn't it be nice to live in a world like this?
I, myself am a woman who is just breaking out into the makeup industry. I have studied makeup for the last two years, ranging from fashion and photographic makeup, special effects and media makeup. I will be furthering my education when I attend university in the next academic year. I'm so passionate about working within this industry and the unlimited amount of creativity I will be exposed to.
I use myself as a platform to showcase my talent. I enjoy creating bold and artistic makeup looks, whether it's a night on the town, or a day on the checkouts. I have the freedom to express myself in any way, no matter where I am. It is only makeup and at the end of the day, it gets wiped off.
However, after my post went viral, hitting over 130,000 likes and was shared across the world over 25,000+ times. It seemed not everyone is as callous as the woman who my original post was about. I was inundated with both positive and supportive comments agreeing with my views on this matter, which was so refreshing for me to see after having endured my earlier experience that day.
Coming away from this, if I had one message to convey it would be 'if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all'. And most of all, love yourself!
Xoxo
Kerry Whittaker